Alstom begins manufacturing semi-high speed trains for Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor

Alstom has begun manufacturing the regional commuter and transit trains for the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut semi-high-speed rail corridor for RRTS Phase 1. In May 2020, the company was awarded the contract to design, build, and deliver 210 regional commuter and transit train cars along with comprehensive maintenance services for 15 years.

  • As per the contract, Alstom will deliver 30 regional commuter trainsets of six cars each and 10 intracity mass transit trainsets of three cars each. 
  • In accordance with India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision and the Make-in-India guidelines, these RRTS trains are 100% indigenously manufactured, with over 80% localisation and are being manufactured in Alstom’s factory in Savli (Gujarat). 
  • This facility will produce the bogies, car bodies and undertake train testing. 
  • The propulsion systems and electricals are being manufactured at the company’s factory in Maneja (Gujarat).

Alain SPOHR, Managing Director – Alstom India says, “This project is a game- changer in India’s regional rail segment, benefitting millions of people and contributing towards socio-economic development. We are happy to begin local manufacturing of these technologically advanced trains for the country’s first semi high-​speed commuter service. At Alstom, we focus on developing sustainable products and solutions that stand the test of time by operating efficiently for decades to come.”

  • The first look of the train for India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) was unveiled in September 2020. 
  • Inspired by Delhi’s iconic monument, The Lotus Temple, the fresh, modern and advanced look of the new trains resonate a unique amalgamation of sustainability and India’s rich heritage. 

  • These energy efficient semi-high-speed aerodynamic trains will incorporate latest tech features to provide a superior passenger experience, to all commuters, including the specially-abled. 
  • These trains have been developed with the vision to transform the future of regional commute for passengers in India. 
  • The RRTS corridors will operate the fastest trains in India with a design speed of 180 kmph. 
  • Right ergonomics, safety, low life cycle costs and high recyclability also contribute towards making these trains an attractive sustainable choice to promote public transport thereby reducing traffic congestion and air pollution significantly.
  • Alstom’s scope of work also includes designing, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of Signalling & Train Control, Supervision, Platform Screen Doors and Telecommunication Systems for this 82.15 kms corridor. 
  • This line will be the first in India to adopt the European Train Control System (ETCS) hybrid Level 2 signalling system, which is the core signalling and train control component of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS).

About Alstom:

  • Leading societies to a low carbon future, Alstom develops and markets mobility solutions that provide the sustainable foundations for the future of transportation.
  • Alstom’s products portfolio ranges from high-speed trains, metros, monorail and trams to integrated systems, customised services, infrastructure, signalling and digital mobility solutions. 
  • Alstom has 150,000 vehicles in commercial service worldwide. With Bombardier Transportation joining Alstom on January 29, 2021, the enlarged Group’s combined proforma revenue amounts to €14 billion for the 12-month period ended March 31, 2021. 
  • Headquartered in France,
  • Alstom is now present in 70 countries and employs more than 70,000 people.

About Alstom in India: 

  • Alstom is the only multinational sustainable mobility provider in India, to have a comprehensive portfolio of offerings to meet customer specific needs, from cost-efficient mass-market platforms to high-end technological innovations.
  • Synonymous with the country’s ‘Rail Revolution’, Alstom continues to be a strategic partner in supporting India’s freight revolution and passenger movement. 
  • With 6 industrial sites and 2 major engineering centers, the company not only caters to domestic project needs, but also delivers for many international projects. Supporting the government’s modernization initiatives, Alstom has been at the forefront of introducing several breakthrough technologies in India with world class rolling stock, rail equipment & infrastructure, signalling and services. 
  • Fully aligned with the country’s vision of Make-in-India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, Alstom remains deeply committed to strengthening its local sourcing and supply chain ecosystem.

About Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor:

  • The Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor is approximately 82 km long corridor with 25 stations, which will cover the distance from Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi to Modipuram in Meerut in about 60 minutes (Currently, it takes around 3 hours to commute from Delhi to Meerut).
  • The total project completion cost of Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor is about INR 30274 Crore.
  • RRTS is a rail based high-speed transit system with a design speed of 180 kmph and an average speed of 100 kmph.
  • Once operational, it will be the fastest, most comfortable and safest mode of commuter transport in NCR.

Project Status:

The Project was sanctioned by the Government of India in March 2019. On 8th March 2019, the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India laid the Foundation Stone of India’s first regional rail.

The details of current status of this corridor is provided below:-

  • The construction of Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor is progressing on schedule.
  • Contracts for all the major packages have been awarded and the prototype RRTS trainset is expected to be delivered by Dec’2021.
  • Project work for priority section of Duhai to Sahibabad of Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor is progressing on schedule with following developments:
    • Construction of civil infrastructure including piles, pile caps, piers, viaduct and station work is on full swing.
    • Construction of RSS at Muradnagar has started for feeding the priority section including Duhai Depotc.
    • Land for Duhai Depot has already been acquired and depot infrastructure construction has started.
    • Contract has been awarded for most of the system packages like Rolling Stock, Signalling & Telecom, Track, Traction and OHE etc.
    • Possession of Land allotted by Government of India for stabling yard in Delhi.
  • Also, in line with its vision to improve the quality of life of people, NCRTC has signed MoU with SECI (Solar Energy Corporation of India) on 16th June, 2021 to harness blended renewable energy for RRTS.
  • MOU has provisions to explore possible opportunities in electric/ transformative mobility, Hydrogen based economy, and other alternative sources of fuels and energy.

Source: Alstom-Press Release